Recapping Texas’ important official visit weekend with more visits looming

Before the eyes of the burnt orange nation shift to what’s shaping up to becoming an extremely important recruiting weekend looming for Tom Herman and the Texas Longhorns, let’s take a brief look at some of the key targets that were on the Forty Acres last weekend, and where Texas stands with each.

January 13 weekend official visitors

Grant Polley - 3-star OT - Colorado commit

A three-star offensive tackle target out of Denton, Grant Polley had emerged as a legitimate flip candidate and was thought to possibly create a domino effect with other current Colorado commits from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex if the 'Horns could put him in burnt orange.

That didn’t become the case; after his weekend official visit and a subsequent in-home visit with the Texas staff on Jan. 17, Polley closed his recruitment and remained a Buffalo.

Taquon Graham - 4-star WDE - Texas commit

Arguably the most important visitor last weekend, Taquon Graham has long been on flip watch with the Oklahoma Sooners being the biggest threat. Reports have since surfaced suggesting that his weekend OV to Texas significantly aided the ‘Horns hopes of retaining his pledge. Graham will visit TCU on Jan. 20 and Oklahoma on Jan. 27.

Kobe Boyce - 3-star CB - Texas commit

Mike Roach of Horn Sports noted that Longhorn legend Michael Huff had become a huge presence for those in attendance, and the proof is in the pictures:

Though he’s completely solid to Texas, the Longhorns staff stopped by to see Kobe Boyce just days later for an in-home visit, as well.

Marqez Bimage - 3-star WDE/ILB - Texas commit

Among the prospects to commit to Texas during the Tom Herman regime, Marqez Bimage is completely solid to Texas and among the few true freshman that should compete for immediate playing time with a versatile skill-set.

Gary Johnson - 4-star JUCO ILB

The nation’s No. 6 JUCO prospect and former Alabama commit, the stars are now aligned for Gary Johnson to boast burnt orange next season.

A potential 2017 starter, Johnson will announce his decision on National Signing Day. He’ll take official visits to Oregon on Jan. 20 and USC on Jan. 27.

Chevin Calloway - 4-star CB

Reports after Chevin Calloway’s weekend visit to Austin suggested that the trip was good, but not great. Considering Arkansas is the favorite in his recruitment and will be the last to host Calloway on Jan. 20, the ‘Horns may need an in-home visit to lure the four-star prospect to Austin. Calloway will be another NSD decision.

Derek Kerstetter - 3-star OG - Texas commit

A versatile offensive line prospect, Kerstetter is likely a redshirt candidate, but has plenty of long-term upside and can play multiple positions in the case of injury and attrition.

247Sports

Kerstetter flipped from Oklahoma State last month.

Darrell Murchison - 3-star JUCO DT - Ole Miss commit

Though Texas just recently jumped into his recruitment, Murchison is said to love the Longhorns. He will take official visits to Georgia and Jan. 20 and Ole Miss on Jan. 27.

Jamari Chisholm - 3-star JUCO DT

Though he doesn’t yet hold a Texas offer, that may change in the next few days as Texas looks to bolster its 2017 class. If Texas offered, it would be difficult to envision Chisholm heading elsewhere.

---

January 20 weekend official visitors

• K’Lavon Chaisson - 4-star WDE

Set to choose between Texas and LSU on National Signing Day, a source told Burnt Orange Nation that the ‘Horns are in a really good position with Chaisson down the stretch.

• Damion Miller - 4-star WR - Texas commit
• Montrell Estell - 4-star S - Texas commit
• Josh Thompson - 3-star CB - Texas commit
• Jordan Pouncey - 3-star WR

The Winter Park (Fla.) product also hosted the ‘Horns for an in-home visit on Jan. 17:

• Javelin Guidry - 3-star CB - Former Houston commit
• Daniel Young - 3-star RB - Texas commit
• Cade Brewer - 3-star TE - Texas commit
• Max Cummins - 3-star SDE - Texas commit
• Brandon Henderson - 2-star JUCO WDE

January 27 weekend official visitors

• Ryan Johnson - 4-star SDE (Jan. 26)
• Stephan Zabie - 4-star OT (Unclear, but expected to visit)
• Bryan Jones - 3-star SDE